Herbal Agents Research Articles

Discovering pathways in benign prostate hyperplasia: A functional genomics pilot study.

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the well-known urological neoplasms common in males with an increasing number of associated deaths in aging males. It causes uncomfortable urinary symptoms, including urine flow blockage, and may cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems. The histopathological and clinical knowledge regarding BPH is limited. In the present study, an in silico approach was applied that uses genome-scale microarray expression data to discover a wide range of protein-protein interactions in addition to focusing on specific genes responsible for BPH to develop prognostic biomarkers. Various genes that were differentially expressed in BPH were identified. Gene and functional annotation clusters were determined and an interaction analysis with disease phenotypes of BPH was performed, as well as an RNA tissue specificity analysis. Furthermore, a molecular docking study of certain short-listed gene biomarkers, namely anterior gradient 2 (AGR2; PDB ID: 2LNT), steroid 5α-reductase 2 (PDB ID: 6OQX), zinc finger protein 3 (PDB ID: 5T00) and collagen type XII α1 chain (PDB ID: 1U5M), was performed in order to identify alternative Chinese herbal agents for the treatment of BPH. Data from the present study revealed that AGR2 receptor (PDB ID: 2LNT) and berberine (Huang Bo) form the most stable complex and therefore may be assessed in further pharmacological studies for the treatment of BPH.

Coronavirus disease 2019 and the natural agents: Is there a role for the primary care?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a newly discovered RNA virus that belongs to corona virus group. It leads to an infectious state manifested as fever, loss of smell and taste sensations, cough, myalgia, fatigue and headache. The condition may become more serious as difficulty in breathing, chest pain and even death. Until successful vaccine is developed, complimentary and herbal medicine can be used as alternative prevention measure against COVID-19 in high-risk populations. This is because the none of the traditional agents used in the treatment protocols had proven effective results. In addition, recent studies reported that dietary supplements and herbal agents may have effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute efficiently to amelioration of the effects of COVID-19. This review sheds light on the possible role of the natural agents in the management of COVID-19 with reference to the role of the primary care in this issue.

The Effects of Nutraceuticals and Bioactive Natural Compounds on Chronic Periodontitis: A Clinical Review.

The paper aims to review the current clinical evidence of various herbal agents as an adjunct treatment in the management of chronic periodontitis patients. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two common infectious inflammatory diseases of the supporting tissues of the teeth and have a multifactorial etiology. An important concern about chronic periodontitis is its association with certain systemic disease. New treatment strategies for controlling the adverse effects of chronic periodontitis have been extensively assessed and practiced in sub-clinical and clinical studies. It has been shown that the phytochemical agents have various therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects which can be beneficial for the treatment of periodontitis. The findings of this review support the adjunctive use of herbal agents in the management of chronic periodontitis. Heterogeneity and limited data may reduce the impact of these conclusions. Future long-term randomized controlled trials evaluating the clinical efficacy of adjunctive herbal therapy to scaling and root planing are needed.

The inhibition effect of capsaicin extract against Staphylococcus aureus: An in vitro experimental study

Aim: Staphylococcus aureus can be isolated from contaminated food. A toothbrush is used daily in both planktonic and biofilm cells. No drugs are proven to be effective against S. aureus infection; since Methicillin has become resistant in the form Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA), a search is necessarily made for active herbal compounds related to this infection. One of the herbal agents, capsaicin, has antibacterial effects as it has a composition of flavonoid, carotenoid, phenol, and efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) activity. Previous studies have shown that capsaicin could be used as anti-S. aureus, but it has restricted diffusion. The present study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of capsaicin as an alternative herbal substance to threat the antibiotic resistance of S. aureus. Materials and Methods: This research used a serial dilution method in isolating S. aureus both from the food sold from the side of road and ten days used toothbrush in the solid media called Blood Agar Plate (BAP). It was replicated to five times. Capsaicin was diluted from 100% to 0.78125%. These data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results: The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) to S. aureus planktonic formation was at 3.125%, whereas the MIC to biofilm formation was at 12.5% (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Capsaicin extract could inhibit the growth of S. aureus (planktonic and biofilm cell). Therefore, capsaicin is an alternative herbal candidate to prevent problems related to S. aureus.

Natural Insulin Sensitizers for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of Possible Molecular Mechanisms.

Diabetes mellitus is a growing health challenge globally which is increasing in epidemic proportion. Naturally occurring pharmacological agents are more likely to provide beneficial therapeutic effects without undesirable side effects compared to the synthetic agents. There is a growing evidence that some naturally occurring pharmacological agents derived from plants have potential antihyperglycemic effects. In this study, we have reviewed the molecular mechanism behind potential hypoglycemic properties of four well-known herbal-based agents, namely, ginger, curcumin, garlic, and cinnamon. Also, we present the related clinical data confirming experimental results aiming to develop novel therapeutic strategies based on these herbal agents potentially for the management of patients with diabetes.

Anti-Proliferative Effect of Allium senescens L. Extract in Human T-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells.

Allium species are well known plants distributed throughout the world, and they contain various bioactive components with different biological activities including anti-cancer effects. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Allium senescens L. (A.S.) extract on cell survival and IL-2-mediated inflammation in human T cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) Jurkat cells. Our results showed that A.S. extract induced caspase-dependent apoptosis of Jurkat cells with no significant cytotoxicity in the normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A.S. extract induced ROS generation through the activation of MAPK p38 phosphorylation. It also inhibited IL-2 mRNA expression and NF-κB signaling mediated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and phytohemagglutinin. Combined treatment with A.S. extract and axitinib/dovitinib exerted enhanced inhibitory effects on T-ALL cell growth and IL-2 production. These results provide novel information on the potential use of A.S. extract as a therapeutic herbal agent for the treatment and prevention of T-ALL.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antiviral Properties of Herbal Materials.

Recently, increasing public concern about hygiene has been driving many studies to investigate antimicrobial and antiviral agents. However, the use of any antimicrobial agents must be limited due to their possible toxic or harmful effects. In recent years, due to previous antibiotics’ lesser side effects, the use of herbal materials instead of synthetic or chemical drugs is increasing. Herbal materials are found in medicines. Herbs can be used in the form of plant extracts or as their active components. Furthermore, most of the world’s populations used herbal materials due to their strong antimicrobial properties and primary healthcare benefits. For example, herbs are an excellent material to replace nanosilver as an antibiotic and antiviral agent. The use of nanosilver involves an ROS-mediated mechanism that might lead to oxidative stress-related cancer, cytotoxicity, and heart diseases. Oxidative stress further leads to increased ROS production and also delays the cellular processes involved in wound healing. Therefore, existing antibiotic drugs can be replaced with biomaterials such as herbal medicine with high antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant activity. This review paper highlights the antibacterial, antiviral, and radical scavenger (antioxidant) properties of herbal materials. Antimicrobial activity, radical scavenger ability, the potential for antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer agents, and efficacy in eliminating bacteria and viruses and scavenging free radicals in herbal materials are discussed in this review. The presented herbal antimicrobial agents in this review include clove, portulaca, tribulus, eryngium, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, thyme, pennyroyal, mint, fennel, chamomile, burdock, eucalyptus, primrose, lemon balm, mallow, and garlic, which are all summarized.

Atrial Fibrillation Associated with Anticancer Drugs

Atrial fibrillation is a serious adverse reaction associated with the use of anticancer drugs. The aim of the study was to analyse scientific literature on the prevalence, pathophysiological mechanisms, and risk factors of anticancer drug-induced atrial fibrillation, ways of its prevention and treatment. The results of the study showed that the incidence of drug-induced atrial fibrillation varies depending on a specific anticancer drug and ranges from 1 to 86%. It is associated with the use of herbal anticancer agents, alkylating agents, protein kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, immunosuppressants, antitumor antibiotics, antimetabolites, hormonal anticancer agents, hormone antagonists, etc. Most often, atrial fibrillation develops following the use of such drugs as gemcitabine (in combination with vinorelbine), cisplatin, melphalan, ibrutinib, cetuximab, trastuzumab, alemtuzumab, and doxorubicin. It was demonstrated that the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of atrial fibrillation induced by anticancer drugs include electrophysiological abnormalities, myocardial injury, inflammation, immune response, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Risk factors for the development of anticancer drug-induced atrial fibrillation are not clearly defined yet and continue to be the subject of research. Prevention of drug-induced atrial fibrillation in cancer patients requires a multidisciplinary approach involving participation of an oncohematologist and a cardiologist. The doctors in charge should also be vigilant regarding potential development of this adverse reaction.

Identification of protein targets in red complex organisms binding with resveratrol.

Periodontitis is attributed to the dental biofilm formation. Red complex organisms are a group of organisms linked with periodontal diseases. Therefore, it is of interest to identify potential targets from the red complex organisms to bind with the herbal compound resveratrol (E - 5 - (4 - hydroxy styryl) benzene 1,3 diol). We report a list of potential proteins having optimal drug like binding features with the herbal agent Resveratrol for further consideration. We used the STITCH v.5 pipeline VICMPred and VirulentPred tools to identify such targets as potential virulent factors in the red complex organisms. We considered the strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277, Treponema denticola ATCC 35405 and Tannerella forsythia ATCC 43037 in the red complex pathogens for this analysis. Protein targets in the red complex organisms with optimal binding features with the herbal compound resveratrol were thus identified and reported for further consideration.

NORMOGLYCAEMIC EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF Parkia biglobosa LEAVES IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a global health problem leading to an increase in the search for herbal normoglycaemic agents as alternative to the synthetic ones. Aqueous extract of Parkia biglobosa leaves was assessed for normoglycaemic effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The study aim at providing scientific evidence to authenticate the traditional use of Parkia biglobosa leaves in the treatment of diabetes.&#x0D; Methodology: The plant was extracted using aqueous to obtain Parkia biglobosa Leaf Extract (PbLE), qualitative phytochemical analysis was determined using standard methods. Diabetes was induced in albino rats by intraperitoneal injection of 5% solution of alloxan (150 mg/kg bw). The rats were grouped into 5 groups (A, B, C, D and E) of 5 animals each. Group A consisted of non-diabetic rats which served as the control, Group B consisted of diabetic rats that were left untreated and served as negative control, Group C were given glucophage (reference) at a dose level of 7 mg/kg bw, Groups D and E were administered PbLE at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg bw respectively.&#x0D; Results: The glucose levels in the blood of rats were checked with a glucometer using the blood from the tail of the rats. Serum (proteins, lipid profiles, urea and creatinine), ALT, AST and ALP were all determined using standard procedures. The extract and the glucophage reduced the blood glucose level significantly (p &lt; 0.05) from day 3 till the termination of the experiment. &#x0D; Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Parkia biglobosa leaves possess antidiabetic activity and also the extract is relatively safe. Hence the leaves of Parkia biglobosa can be explored in producing alternative antidiabetic drugs.

Protein targets in the red complex organisms binding with an herbal compound silymarin.

Periodontitis is attributed to the dental biofilm formation caused by various microbial changes that occurs in the biofilm. Red complex organisms are a group of organisms linked with periodontal diseases. Therefore, it is of interest to identify potential targets from the red complex organisms to bind with the herbal compound silymarin. We report a list of potential proteins having optimal drug like binding features with the herbal agent silymarin for further consideration. We used the STITCH v.5 pipeline using VICMPred and VirulentPred tools to identify such targets as potential virulent factors in the red complex organisms. We considered the strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277, Treponema denticola ATCC 35405 and Tannerella forsythia ATCC 43037 in the red complex pathogens for this analysis. Protein targets in the red complex organisms with optimal binding features with the herbal compound silymarin were thus identified and reported for further consideration.

Natural, Synthetic and their Combinatorial Nanocarriers Based Drug Delivery System in the Treatment Paradigm for Wound Healing Via Dermal Targeting.

A wound refers to the epithelial loss, accompanied by loss of muscle fibers collagen, nerves and bone instigated by surgery, trauma, frictions or by heat. Process of wound healing is a compounded activity of recovering the functional integrity of the damaged tissues. This process is mediated by various cytokines and growth factors usually liberated at the wound site. A plethora of herbal and synthetic drugs, as well as photodynamic therapy, is available to facilitate the process of wound healing. Generally, the systems used for the management of wounds tend to act through covering the ruptured site, reduce pain, inflammation, and prevent the invasion and growth of microorganisms. The available systems are, though, enough to meet these requirements, but the involvement of nanotechnology can ameliorate the performance of these protective coverings. In recent years, nano-based formulations have gained immense popularity among researchers for the wound healing process due to the enhanced benefits they offer over the conventional preparations. Hereupon, this review aims to cover the entire roadmap of wound healing, beginning from the molecular factors involved in the process, the various synthetic and herbal agents, and combination therapy available for the treatment and the current nano-based systems available for delivery through the topical route for wound healing.

Formation and characterization of hydrogenated soybean lecithin/TPGS nano-dispersions as a potential carrier for active herbal agents

The goal of this study was to examine the effects of lipid composition on physicochemical characteristics of hydrogenated soybean lecithin (HL)/d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) dispersions using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and fluorescence polarization spectroscopy. Our results showed that HL-rich nano-dispersions exhibited larger size, narrower size distribution, higher negative zeta potential, more obvious phase transition regions, and lower membrane fluidity than did the TPGS-rich ones. The membrane packing order, intermolecular attraction interaction, and molecular cooperativity in the phase transition region of the HL dispersions could be reduced by the incorporation of a large amount of TPGS. Furthermore, chemical stability, a drug release profile, and free radical-scavenging capacity of HL/TPGS nano-dispersions encapsulating black soybean seed coat extract (BE) were analyzed. HL/TPGS nano-dispersions improved the stability and radical-scavenging capacity of phytochemicals, such as BE. Nano-dispersions with the molar ratio of HL/TPGS = 9/1 exhibited good storage stability, a slow BE release rate, good free radical-scavenging capacity, and high in vitro biocompatibility; thus, they could be a high-potential vehicle for carrying active herbal agents.

Nano-curcumin therapy, a promising method in modulating inflammatory cytokines in COVID-19 patients

BackgroundAs an ongoing worldwide health issue, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19) has been causing serious complications, including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multi-organ failure. However, there is no decisive treatment approach available for this disorder, which is primarily attributed to the large amount of inflammatory cytokine production. We aimed to identify the effects of Nano-curcumin on the modulation of inflammatory cytokines in COVID-19 patients. MethodForty COVID-19 patients and 40 healthy controls were recruited and evaluated for inflammatory cytokine expression and secretion. Subsequently, COVID-19 patients were divided into two groups: 20 patients receiving Nano-curcumin and 20 patients as the placebo group. The mRNA expression and cytokine secretion levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IL‐18 were assessed by Real‐time PCR and ELISA, respectively. ResultOur primary results indicated that the mRNA expression and cytokine secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-18 were increased significantly in COVID-19 patients compared with healthy control group. After treatment with Nano-curcumin, a significant decrease in IL-6 expression and secretion in serum and in supernatant (P = 0.0003, 0.0038, and 0.0001, respectively) and IL-1β gene expression and secretion level in serum and supernatant (P = 0.0017, 0.0082, and 0.0041, respectively) was observed. However, IL-18 mRNA expression and TNF-α concentration were not influenced by Nano-curcumin. ConclusionNano-curcumin, as an anti-inflammatory herbal based agent, may be able to modulate the increased rate of inflammatory cytokines especially IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expression and cytokine secretion in COVID-19 patients, which may cause an improvement in clinical manifestation and overall recovery.

Review on Antityrosinase Activity of Some Indian Medicinal Plants and their Phytoconstituents

Tyrosinase (polyphenolic oxidase) is a multifunctional and copper containing enzyme. Tyrosinase is an enzyme which is responsible for melanin biosynthesis which is responsible for color of the skin. Melanin is synthesised in melanocyte cells by melanogenesis process. Melanogenesis protects skin surface from harmful ultraviolet radiations. Melanin is mainly synthesized in plants, micro organisms and mammalian cells. Melanin pigment is responsible for hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. When melanin is present in very less amount it causes local vitiligo and posttraumatic hypopigmentation. When melanin is present in very less amount it causes local vitiligo and posttraumatic hypopigmentation. Abnormal amount of melanin deposit in the specific sites of skin causes abnormal skin colored patches like solar lentigos, chloasma, freckles, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation etc. Tyrosinase is also responsible for color changes in fruits due to enzymatic reactions. Tyrosinase inhibitor compounds are used in cosmetics, food, agriculture science and also used in remedy for imbalance in pigmentations. Some Indian herbal plants and agents like Aloe barbedensis, Crocus sativus, Curcuma longa, Camellia sinensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycine max, Nelumbo nucifera, Hemidesmus indicus, Vitis Vinifera, Broussonetia papyrifera, resorcinol, arbutin, kojic acid, hydroquinone and ascorbic acid have antityrosinase enzymatic activity. So these plants and inhibitory agents are used in cosmetic industries due to their tyrosinase inhibitory effects or antityrosinase activity or antihyperpigmentation effects.&#x0D; Keywords: Anti-hyperpimentation, Tyrosinase Inhibitor, Melanin, Herbal drugs.

Pharmacological insight into potential therapeutic agents for the deadly Covid-19 pandemic

Coronaviruses are pleomorphic, enveloped, or spherical viruses, which have a size ranging from 80 to 120 nm. These viruses act on receptors that cause the triggering of fusion. Coronaviruses were first described after cultivation from patients with common colds by Tyrell and Bynoe in 1966. There are various subtypes of coronavirus, 7 out of these can cause infection in human beings. The Alpha subtype is responsible for mild infection showing symptoms or infection without any prevailing symptoms. On the other hand, the beta subtype is responsible for very serious diseases leading to fatality. The lineage of this novel SARS-CoV-2 falls under the beta lineage of the beta coronavirus which has been observed to have a relation to the MERS and SARS coronavirus. In the Huanan market selling seafood, the transition of this novel virus in humans from animals has occurred. It has the potential to be the cause of widespread fatality amongst the people of the globe. On August 16, 2020, the World Health Organisation had reported 2,1294,845 cases which are confirmed to date out of which 413,372 deaths have occurred. Currently, no targeted antiviral vaccines or drugs to fight against COVID-19 infection have been approved for use in humans. This pandemic is fast emerging and drug repurposing is the only ray of hope which can ensure quick availability. Vaccine development is progressing each day with various platforms such as DNA, Live Attenuated Virus, Non-Replicating Viral Vector, Protein Subunit, and RNA, being utilized for the development. COVID-19 attacks the immune system of the host & this can result in a cytokine storm. As a result, various herbal agents both acting as antivirals and immunomodulatory can also be used. Convalescent Plasma Therapy and Mesenchymal Stem Cell therapy are also being explored as a plausible therapeutic. There remains a considerable unmet need for therapeutics to be addressed. The development and availability of accessible and efficient therapy are essential for the treatment of patients. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, the tale of origin, and transmission of COVID-19 or Sars-Cov2 virus and gives evidence of potential therapeutic agents that can be explored to cast away this pandemic.

Potential Drugs for Treating COVID-19 Infection

: The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) appeared as an emerging respiratory disease in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, and then spread rapidly worldwide, being declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Researchers are attempting to discover specifically designed antiviral treatments for COVID-19. Several therapeutic agents such as Interferon-α, Lopinavir/Ritonavir, Ribavirin, Chloroquine, Chloroquine phosphate, Hydroxychloroquine, Arbidol, Favipiravir, Remdesivir, Darunavir, Imatinib, Teicoplanin, Azithromycin, COVID-19 convalescent plasma, other potential antiviral drugs, and Chinese herbal agents are now being clinically studied to examine both pharmaceutical efficacy and safety for COVID-19 treatment in several countries. Some favorable results from these studies have been obtained to date. This review article summarizes and reiterates drugs that are potentially efficient against COVID-19.

Phytotherapy and Herbal Medicines for Kidney Stones.

Kidney stones are one of the longest known and most common diseases in the urinary tract, with a prevalence that ranges from 1% to 20%. Many phytotherapeutic and herbal medicines have been described for the treatment and prevention of kidney stones. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive review of publications on various phytotherapeutic and herbal medicines, including both clinical and animal studies. Phytotherapy may influence the risk of recurrence of calcium oxalate and uric acid stones. The most solid evidence relates to Phyllanthus niruri, one of the most studied phytotherapeutics; findings suggest that it interferes with calcium oxalate crystallization, reduces hyperoxaluria and hyperuricosuria, and increases the efficacy of shock wave lithotripsy due to reduced crystallization, without significant adverse effects. Theobromine has been shown to reduce the crystallization of uric acid in patients and appears to be a promising supplement to treat such stones. Many phytotherapeutic and herbal agents have been studied for the treatment of urolithiasis, most of them only in a small number of patients or in animal models. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate the effects of these agents on kidney stones.

Awareness on nootropic herbs among dental students Herbal nootropic agents

Nootropics herb constitutes of compounds that enhance cognitive performance by increasing mental functions memory, creativity, motivation, and attention, eventually causing individuals to be many alerts and focused. These nootropic herbs tend to enhance brain performances. To assess the awareness on nootropic herbs among dental students. A cross-sectional study was done with a self-administered questionnaire with 10 questions circulated among 100 dental students. The questionnaire assessed the awareness on pharmacological properties, traditional uses, medicinal uses and memory-enhancing function of the nootropic herbs from ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. The responses were recorded and analysed. 17% were aware of nootropic herbs.5% were aware of their pharmacological properties.3% were aware of traditional uses. 3 % aware of medicinal uses. 12%were aware of memory-enhancing function. The awareness of nootropic herbs usage in clinical practice among dental students was found to be low in this study. Our findings emphasize the importance of incorporating several educational and training programs to dental students to sensitize them to look for alternative and herbal medicines in the treatment of diseases.

Plant flavone Chrysin as an emerging histone deacetylase inhibitor for prosperous epigenetic-based anticancer therapy.

Aberrations in epigenetic mechanisms provide a fertile platform for tumour initiation and progression. Thus, agents capable of modulating the epigenetic environment of neoplasms will be a valuable addition to the anticancer therapeutics. Flavones are emerging as befitting anticancer agents due to their inherent antioxidant activity and the ability to restrain epi-targets namely histone deacetylases (HDACs). HDACs have broader implications in pathogenesis of various cancers. Chrysin, a flavone possessing the ability to inhibit HDACs could prove as a potential anticancer drug. Thus, in this article we focussed on Chrysin and its distinct antineoplastic effect against bellicose malignancies including lung, colorectal, cervical, gastric, melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and breast cancer. The underlying signalling cascades triggered by Chrysin for inducing cytotoxic effect in these cancer models are discussed. Importantly, approaches towards combinatorial treatments by Chrysin and commercial anticancer agents are taken into account. The downstream molecular mechanism aroused by combined therapy for abrogating onerous cancer chemoresistance is delineated as well. Moreover, the nano-combinatorial approach involving co-encapsulation of Chrysin with other herbal and non-herbal agents for clinical excellence is elucidated.